Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Panasonic FZ200: 24x Superzoom at f/2.8 All the Way

The Panasonic FZ200 is the first superzoom camera that sports a f/2.8 constant aperture throughout its 25-600mm equivalent zoom range. The FZ200 features a 12.1MP image sensor and can capture full res images at 12fps.

The FZ200 also features HD video capture at 1080/60p, as well as HD video (presumably 720p) at 120fps and VGA-res video at 240fps.

The FZ200 retails for $599 and is currently available for pre-order here at B&H Photo.

Panasonic FZ200 Key Features

12.1 MP MOS Sensor

LSI Venus Engine Image Processor

25-600mm f/2.8 Leica Optical Zoom Lens

3.0″ Free Angle 460K-dot LCD Display

0.2″ Electronic View Finder w/ 100% FOV

12 fps Continuous Shooting

RAW and RAW+JPEG Recording Option

Full HD 60p Video Recording

Improved Ergonomics

Hot-shoe and Accessory Mount

More details in the press release below.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES THE LUMIX FZ200, A NEW SUPER-ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA WITH FULL RANGE F2.8 APERTURE AND 24x OPTICAL ZOOM

The New LUMIX FZ200 Features High Speed Response and Shoots Full-HD Video

July 18, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-FZ200 which features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra-wide angle lens with a 24x powerful optical zoom(35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) and achieves full range F2.8 aperture. The newest addition to the LUMIX FZ-series of digital cameras, the LUMIX FZ200 is the first digital compact camera*1 to offer full range F2.8 aperture at 600mm, making it possible to capture moving subjects clearly with fast shutter speed, even from a distance.

A newly developed 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and high performance image processing LSI Venus Engine provide the LUMIX FZ200 with high speed response, high sensitivity recording and superb image quality. Light Speed AF (auto focus) combines with the LUMIX FZ200’s ability to capture high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (frames per second) in full resolution and a quick start-up time of approximately .95 seconds, so users never miss even the most fleeting shooting opportunities. Furthermore, High Speed Video enables users to record fast-moving subjects at 120 fps (NTSC/HD)*2 or 240 fps (NTSC/VGA)*2.

“Panasonic continues to strive to meet the photography demands of its consumers by providing unique features and advanced technology in all our LUMIX digital cameras,” said Marc Sorkin, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “With the 24x Optical Zoom and full range F2.8 aperture, the FZ200 is a versatile, powerful camera that provides users with endless options to take creative and high-quality images and videos.”

A newly developed 0.2-inch EVF (Electronic View Finder) features a 1,312,000-dot equivalent high resolution, 100% field of view and minimum screen freeze. The LUMIX FZ200’s body has been designed as a full-fledged shooting style digital compact camera with ultimate controllability. The side lever has been redesigned in the stroke and locating position, smoothing zoom functions. Focus can also be easily changed with this lever, allowing users to concentrate on shutter operation and get the perfect photographic moment.

The LUMIX FZ200 is able to produce not only stunning photos but also stunning full-HD in 1,920×1,080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) and MP4*6 formats. The powerful 24x optical zoom with 2-step zoom and POWER O.I.S. is available in video recording and high-quality Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator offers highly realistic, powerful sound for videos. The stereo zoom microphone features a zoom noise reduction system and an Auto Wind Cut function to reduce background noise from wind. Additionally, Active Mode encourages active video recording at wide angle and the popular iA mode allows users to easily create motion images by simple pointing and hitting the record button. Creative Video mode allows users to set the shutter speed and aperture manually to bring special effects to videos, shoot fast moving objects and shoot subjects at various distances.

Pricing and availability for the LUMIX DMC-FZ200 will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

*1 As of July 18, 2012.

*2 The recording format is 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL).

** 30p(NTSC) / 25p(PAL) in MP4 recording.

*3 For photo only

*4 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long)

*5 The picture size may be reduced

*6 30p in MP4 recording

• Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.

Comments

Finally after the FZ20, Panny is back in serious business of a semi-pro superzoom. If going by past expereince with FZ18 etc, this should be an awesome day time camera. Try getting a constant f2.8 / 600mm lens for any of the APS-C SLRs !! I can rest my heavy SLR for non-special occasions. Can’t wait for the review. Can PGB post some sample pics in the meanwhile?